Queens County Farm Museum to auction its first wines

Wine is enmeshed in the history of civilization, so it seems only right that the first wines from a museum’s own vineyards will be auctioned off on Tuesday, May 18.

The auction will be held in the barn at the Queens County Farm Museum in Glen Oaks, the only commercial wine grape grower so far in New York City.

The Farm Museum is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State and these wines are part of its viticultural history. Museum staffers have been growing Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet grapes on a half-acre plot since 2004. The museum will sell 900 cases of its first wines at the auction.

In addition, a special collection of first wines will be auctioned:

10 bottles of the museum’s 2006 Adriance Blend
10 bottles of its 2006 Merlot
10 bottles of its 2007 Chardonnay

The bottles are etched with a unique number, and a certificate of authenticity will be issued.

The 8 p.m. event will include hors d’oeuvres by Tamara Reynolds, co-author of “Forking Fantastic! Put The Party Back In Dinner Party,” a wine tasting conducted by guest sommelier Shana Reade, DWS, and live jazz by Phil Costa.

Tickets may be purchased online at $60 per person. (Search Queens Farm, New York.)

The Queens County Farm Museum is located at 7350 Little Neck Parkway. Phone: (718) 347-3276. Its history dates to 1697 and it occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working historical farm in the city.

The complex encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. It includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden.

The Farm Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. It is open year-round seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays tours of the historic farmhouse and hayrides are available from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is free except on special-event days and for all group visits at all times.